Levein insists Steven MacLean has Hearts future and is 'in his thoughts'

Hearts manager Craig Levein has insisted that veteran striker Steven MacLean is very much in is thoughts – despite only starting two of the Jambos seven games so far.

The 37-year-old has been frustrated by his lack of game-time and the Tynecastle boss told how he is in “consideration” for tomorrow’s clash with Celtic.

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Levein joked that the striker forgets he’s nearly the same age as him but admits that he’s “always” in his thoughts for selection.

“Steven is always in my thoughts. He gets frustrated sometimes because he isn’t playing every week but he forgets he’s nearly as old as me,” Levein joked to the Evening News.

“He is a kid at heart. He is always in my thoughts and he is definitely in consideration for tomorrow.”

The Jambos face Celtic at Parkhead tomorrow and will face a really tough test against the Champions.

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With Jamie Walker out of action with a broken leg, it could open up a space for MacLean in the Hearts starting XI but Levein would be more likely to play with two wide men and a more conservative midfield trio supporting a lone striker.

If MacLean does get the nod, the veteran is always going to work hard and try to bring others into the game so it could be that which sways Levein’s decision one way or the other.

James has covered Scottish football at all levels from under-9 right up to the SPFL. He has written for a variety of websites and magazines such as the Daily Record, Youth Football Scotland, Shoot! Magazine, the Scottish FA and SB Nation. James has been attending games since 1994 and also has a keen interest in Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire.